Zuckerberg’s F8 Message: ‘We Need to Keep People Safe and to Keep Building’

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Jon Swartz

May 1, 2018 2:50 p.m. ET

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After a bruising month in which it was all but labeled the evil incarnate of tech, Facebook (FB) appears determined to put the worst behind it.

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That was the overriding tone of Mark Zuckerberg's keynote speech at the F8 developers conference in San Jose, Calif., where Facebook's embattled CEO spoke briefly on how the company intends to shore up user privacy before launching into a rapid-fire, 20-minute presentation on its product roadmap.

"We’re all here because we are optimistic about the future," a buoyant Zuckerberg told a receptive crowd of several thousand. "But we need to take a broader view of our responsibility and ensure tools are used for good."

Then came the mantra for the day and, quite probably, the near future: "We need to keep people safe and to keep building."

Welcome to Facebook 2.0. The dual theme was underpinned by measures Facebook is taking to not only protect the data and privacy of its 2.2 billion monthly active users, but new features that foster connectivity among them.

On Tuesday, Facebook said it will start telling members which websites track them across the internet and offer them the option to delete personal data from their accounts. Additionally, a new option lets users clear their browsing history on Facebook -- a feature that drew heavy applause.

Within minutes, Zuckerberg launched into a list of new products and services consumers and businesses can expect from the social-networking giant over the next several months. He announced the shipping of Oculus Go, the company's $199 standalone VR headset, beginning today, and deeper augmented reality camera effect features within Facebook properties WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger. It even announced a Dating app to start and build long-term relationships among its roughly 200 million users who identify themselves as single in their profiles.

To roars of laughter, Zuckerberg poked fun at himself when introducing Watch Live, which allows users to watch videos together.

"Let’s say your friend is testifying before Congress," Zuckerberg said, with a screenshot of him being grilled by Congress in the background. "You can bring your friends together. You can laugh together. Cry together. Some of my friends actually did this. Let’s not do this again anytime soon."

The dollop of levity reminded developers of the darkest hours of the Cambridge Analytica conflagration last month, but seemed to offer a nostalgic sheen to Facebook's worst crisis in its 14-year history. Properly chastened, Zuckerberg made sure to frame today's narrative around what happened—and what could happen again.

Investors have been forgiving of late, after thrashing Facebook shares for weeks. Since Zuckerberg took his lumps on Capitol Hill for two days last month, Facebook's stock has bounced back, strongly indicating the scandal has barely put the brakes on Facebook's formidable growth. The immediate impact of its privacy woes were not reflected in Facebook's first-quarter results, which blew by analyst estimates last week.

Facebook shares rose 1%, to $173.87, in trading on Tuesday.

Still, the sting of Cambridge Analytica is never too far away. Zuckerberg today briefly addressed the abrupt resignation of WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum, one of the strongest advocates for privacy inside Facebook. Koum, who intends to leave Facebook's board, reportedly quit over clashes with Facebook management on privacy and encryption issues.

"[Koum] has done an amazing job and been a tireless advocate for privacy and encryption," Zuckerberg said, before announcing Group Video Calling on WhatsApp.

“I know the vast majority of you are devoted to building good things,” Zuckerberg told developers to underscore his point. They politely applauded.

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Zuckerberg’s F8 Message: ‘We Need to Keep People Safe and to Keep Building’

After a bruising month in which it was all but labeled the evil incarnate of tech, Facebook (FB) appears determined to put the worst behind it.

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